Health Empirics

Despite sustained public investment in child nutrition, dietary diversity among young children in India remains inadequate. This study evaluates whether the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) improves Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) among children aged 6–23 months. Using NFHS-5 data covering 64,725 children, we estimate the association between the frequency of SNP receipt and MDD using logistic regression. Further, propensity score matching (PSM) is employed to address observable selection bias. Regular SNP supplementation (daily/weekly) significantly increases the likelihood of achieving MDD at the national level (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6, 2). However, interstate variation exists. In states with less diversified ICDS food menus (Bihar, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana), regular supplementation is positively associated with MDD (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), but not in states with more diversified menus (Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat, Odisha). It significantly increases dietary diversity among rural and poorer households, with stronger effects also observed in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13–1.48). ICDS supplementary nutrition improves dietary diversity among vulnerable child populations, especially in poorer and nutritionally disadvantaged regions, though broader nutritional gains remain limited.